Want to travel and have fun with the family? Our collection of itineraries is bound to keep both adults and children happy. You can choose from an exciting mini geography trip and a hike though paddy fields or meeting fine craftsmen and artisan for an activity session with hands on work. After spending the day outdoors you can return to your family friendly accommodation for an evening of relaxation.

Country Holidays inspires with our bespoke travel plans - a hassle free holiday that begins right from the planning stage. Our professional travel specialists will assist you to put together a customized travel plan that suits you, your friends and families.

Georgia & Armenia | 04 to 12 May 2018

Overview

The Caucasus mountain range lies between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and is considered part of the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Its isolated and ancient lands are one of the world's most ethnically diverse regions, containing more than 60 languages from five distinct language families, giving the region an astounding cultural diversity.

This trip takes you to Armenia & Georgia. Armenia is an ancient and proud millennia-old civilization in a remote mountain landscape, the first state to adopt Christianity as an official religion; Georgia, the lush green heart of the Caucasus, followed not long after. With its fabulous cuisine and culture, diverse landscapes and a wealth of ancient churches, cathedrals, monasteries and cave cities, this is a part of the world truly like no other.

For those who have time, you may wish to extend the trip to Azerbaijan. The capital, Baku boasts a UNESCO World Heritage old city while the countryside is where time really stood still.

Signature Departures Highlights

Private lectures by historian in Stalin Museum, and Georgian National Art Museum in Tibilisi, Armenian History Museum

Visit the IDP village in Tserovani, meet with villagers, see their homes, visit the school, businesses of the village

After lunch, we start exploring the Georgian capital. Destroyed and rebuilt nearly 30 times, it is today one of the most lively and cosmopolitan cities in the Caucasus. Walk through the narrow streets and inner courtyards, and stroll down Rustaveli Avenue, the main thoroughfare. Visit Metekhi Church of the Virgin, which was rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries; Sioni Cathedral in the town centre, the main cathedral of Tbilisi and seat of the Catholics of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Hotel: Tbilisi Marriott HotelMeals: Lunch & Dinner included

Day 02 - 05 May (Sat) - Tbilisi / David Gareja Monastery / Tbilisi

Today’s excursion is to the haunting David Gareja monastery complex Lavra and Udabno monasteries, set in the semi-desert on the border with Azerbaijan, 140 km or about 2 hours’ drive from Tbilisi. This complex of rock-cut cave monasteries and churches was founded in the 13th century by the Syrian Fathers, a group of monks from Assyria who came to Georgia to help with the establishment of Christianity. Many of the caves bear ancient frescoes. We have time for about 2 hours of hiking to visit two of the monasteries. Have lunch at small local restaurant where you can enjoy dishes prepared by local cooks from the village. Located in the middle of a steppe, in a small village of Udabno, it is the closest restaurant to the monastery complex.

Evening visit Sameba Cathedral in Tbilisi. By rope way drive to Mt. Mtatsminda and enjoy evening panorama of Tbilisi.

This morning drive 45 min to Mtskheta, ancient capital of eastern Georgia. Georgia’s conversion to Christianity occurred in Mtskheta in 337AD. Visit its historical, fully-functioning churches including the beautiful 7th century Jvari Church perched on a cliff overlooking the city, the Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral, the first Christian church to be built in Georgia and its largest functioning cathedral, and the Samtavro monastery complex, with its shrine to St Nino, converter of Georgia. In the afternoon, Gori, infamous as the birthplace of Josef Stalin, and have lunch before visiting the Stalin Museum.

Then proceed just outside the town to visit Uplistsikhe cave town, developed to service the trade route from India to the west in the 1st millennium BC. The town is a complex of rock-cut streets, residences, churches, secret tunnels, water passages, markets and the oldest theatre in Georgia, all hewn out of the mountain side.

Today we drive north along the Georgian Military Highway. Completed in 1817 to link Georgia with Russia this has long been an important military and economic route through the mountainous region. About 45 minutes out of Tbilisi, we stop to visit Ananuri, the beautifully sited 16th century fortress complex with its exquisitely carved churches; then continue into the Caucasus Mountains for another 1 hour to Gudauri, Georgia’s top ski resort. After a brief rest to take in the mountain scenery, we continue for a 1½ drive through alpine meadows and mountain passes littered with medieval watch towers to Kazbegi. By 4 WD vehicles drive to visit Tsminda Sameba Church, perched in a beautiful, solitary spot high above the village of Kazbegi, one of Georgia’s iconic sights.

Drive about 3 hours back to Tbilisi. From here it is an hour to the border crossing to Armenia at Sadakhlo; after the immigration formalities, meet your Armenian guide and driver. Drive another 30 minutes to visit the 10th century monastic complexes of Sanahin and Haghpat, outstanding examples of medieval Armenian architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then we drive towards Dzoraget, along the Debed River nestled among the forest-covered hills. Check-in to the Avan Dzoraget hotel, built in 2004 but designed to evoke the historical atmosphere of a medieval Armenian castle.

Hotel: Avan Dzoraget HotelMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 06 - 09 May (Wed) - Dzoraget / Yerevan

This morning we head towards Yerevan, on the way have a brief visit to Saghmosavank, a monastery in a breathtaking site in the deep canyon of Qasakh. Then drive 1 hour to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

After lunch, we start the walking tour of Yerevan exploring various layers of its history – medieval shrines hidden behind imposing Soviet-style façades, narrow streets of the old center with sunlight playing on its pink walls - Mashtots Avenue, Republic Square, Opera House, Cascade and Mother Armenia, Opera House and ambitious projects of independent Armenia – North Avenue and spacious Grigor Lusavorich Cathedral. Visit Matenadaran- Isntituteof old Manuscripts.

The day starts with a visit to History Museum, Providing an excellent introduction to the history of the city. Then we make an excursion to cover several highlights. First stop is KhorVirap, in the Ararat valley against the spectacular backdrop of Biblical Mt Ararat. Although the complex we see today mostly dates from the 17th century, it is built over the 4th century site of the imprisonment of St Gregory the Illuminator in a pit for 12 years.

Then drive to Echmiadzin, the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Visit the ancient cathedral, on the site where St Gregory the Illuminator first built in 301-303 AD; also visit the Zvartnots ruins from the 7th century. Both Echmiadzin and Zvarnots are UNESCO World Heritages; return to Yerevan for dinner.

In the evening we visit the Brandy Factory of Yerevan with tasting of 2 types of Armenian cognac.

This morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Geghard monastery, rock-cut from caves, producing some beautiful acoustics. Then continue to Garni, a pagan Hellenistic temple in a picturesque setting, and have lunch at a rustic local house where we participate in an Armenian Lavash-making ceremony.

Add a Doha Stopover Exploration to Your Journey When You Fly Qatar Airways

Discover a land of contrasts, dynamic and exciting, yet with a sense of timeless serenity and tradition. Visit the amazing sand desert; take a stroll in The Pearl-Qatar, also known as the ‘Arabian Riviera’ and experience 14 centuries of great art in a few hours in The Museum of Islamic Art.

Join us to uncover the gems of Doha, by extending two nights before or after your journey.

Hotel

Tbilisi

Marriott Tbilisi

The Tbilisi Marriott Hotel offers a contemporary destination from which to explore the fascinating cultural history of Georgia's capital city. Featuring a distinctive location in a 100-year-old building, our historic hotel places you in Tbilisi's vibrant city center. Allow us to dazzle you with a gorgeous atrium-style lobby, magnificent crystal chandeliers, and elegant furnishings.

Kazebgi

Hotel Rooms Kazbegi

A restored Brutalist building and former Soviet resort that nods to its heritage while offering a warm, contemporary ambience. The spirit of Georgian hospitality is alive in our grand communal lobby lounge and sun terrace. At Kazbegi, restoration is key: Guests can relax by the indoor pool and wellness center or stay cozy in the library.

Dzoraget

Avan Dzoraget Hotel

sits along the Debed River, nestled among the forest-covered hills and rocky slope of Caucasus Mountains. When not exploring the landscape, touring monasteries and monuments in the area, fishing or visiting the nearby villages, guests at Avan Dzoraget enjoy the views and serenity of the Debed River, as well as the hospitality and comfort Armenia is known for.

Baku

Four Seasons Baku

Overlooking the Caspian Sea and Baku Old Town district with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, this 5-star hotel features a restaurant and lounge, a bar and an indoor swimming pool. Rooms come with air conditioning. Each bright spacious room at Four Seasons Hotel Baku includes unique interior, a flat-screen TV and a view of the city or sea. Bathrooms are fitted with marble panels and a shower.

Sheki

Marxal Resort & Spa

Marxal Resort & Spa offers accommodation in Sheki. There is a bowling alley on site and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar. Rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet.

Sighnaghi

Hotel Kabadoni

Featuring an indoor swimming pool and a wellness centre, Kabadoni Boutique Hotel is located in the historic Sighnaghi Town. Guests are offered a wine bar and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each elegant air-conditioned room at Kabadoni includes an iPod docking station and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms come with slippers and bathrobes.

Extension

Upon arrival, you will be met & transferred to Four Seasons Baku for 2 nights. Dinner at Traditional restaurant.

Overnight: Four Seasons BakuMeals: Dinner

DAY 02 01 May (Tue) BAKU

This morning we set off on a walking tour of the historic Old Town of Baku with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings contrasting sharply with the relentless modernity of the new city. The walking tour starts with a visit to Icheri Sheher, the fortress of Old Baku dating to the 15th century, and continues to Maiden Tower, the Shirvan Shahs’ Palace Complex, medieval market square and caravanserai. We shall also visit the Synyk Kala Minaret, completed in 1093, which is the city’s oldest building. Visit the State Carpet Museum, and the Martyr’s Lane.

After lunch, continue to the Absheron Peninsula, which has the oldest oil fields in Azerbaijan. Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temple at Ateshgyakh, from the 18th century. Return to Baku.

Overnight: Four Seasons BakuMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 03 02 May (Wed)BAKU / GOBUSTAN / SHEMAKHA / SHEKI

This morning, proceed outside the city to Gobustan with an archaeologist for another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its archaeological monuments with more than 4,000 rock drawings from the Neolithic period.

Leaving Baku, it is a long drive of 296 km over the mountain to Sheki. Visit Daribaba Mausoleum. Visit Shemakha, the former capital of the once powerful Shirvan Khanate, Djuma Mosque and Yeddi Gumbaz, the royal mausoleum. The drive is beautiful tracing the ancient Silk Road and with views of the lovely countryside.

Overnight: Marxal Resort & SpaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 04 03 May (Thu) SHEKI/SIGHNAGHI

Morning have sightseeing tour of Sheki. After lunch continue the drive across the mountain across the border into Georgia. We enter Georgia in the region of Kakheti, the biggest and the most important winemaking region in Georgia, which is famous with its hospitality, delicious food and ancient Georgian technique of winemaking which dates to the 8th century BC and is still used to produce unique organic Qvevri wine.

Continue to 18th century Royal town of Signaghi. Surrounded by the longest defensive wall in the region with 23 towers, Signaghi was an important strategic place where on Silk Road route. Visit Bodbe Nunnery (9thc) near Sighnaghi, the place where St. Nino, the 4th.c female evangelist of Georgians is buried.

Enjoy evening in beautiful narrow streets of Sighnaghi from where you can explore panoramic sights of Caucasus Mountains and Alazani valley. Visit one of famous wineries “Pheasants Tears” in Sighnaghi, enjoy wine tasting and delicious dinner with local food.

Overnight: Hotel KabadoniMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 05 04 May (Fri) SIGHNAGHI / TBILISI

Enjoy a leisure morning, drive towards Tbilisi and meet the main group.

Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills and telecommunications etc.

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Exploring World's Heritages

Country Holidays inspires with our bespoke travel plans- a hassle free holiday that begins right from the planning stage. Our professional travel specialists will assist you to put together a customized travel plan that suits you, your friends and families.